John and Cindy Witzel own and operate this family business.  John started it in 1986 after leaving the cattle business.  His goal was to provide the public with quality outfitted recreation opportunities in the area which he was born and raised.  He felt he had a wealth of knowledge to share about the region and its history.  Steens Mountain Packers (SMP) believes in offering every guest a learning opportunity while embarking on their chosen adventure.  At our participants option, they can take advantage of interpretive and continuing education information in their guide's many areas of expertise including, but not limited to, horsemanship, geology, plants, wildlife, photography, cultural history, outdoor etiquette, hunting, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. 

The safety, enjoyment, and satisfaction of our program participants is above all our highest priority.  As an employee, this becomes your primary responsibility as one of SMP's team players.  Working for SMP is not easy.  The nature of the work itself is physically demanding and in remote locations.  SMP expects employees to always have a positive and motivated attitude.  However, we believe the rewards of this kind of work are many and include meeting people from around the world, forming lifetime friendships, and having an immense opportunity for personal growth while living and working in an environment dreamed about and enjoyed by all.

Steens Mountain Packers is currently taking applications for positions during our 2006 summer/fall season. We will be hiring several temporary full time positions for the summer/fall of 2006.  These positions may include Lake Creek Base Camp Host, Wilderness Horsepack Guide, Assistant Trail Ride Guide, Hiking Guide, and Kids Day Camp Program Lead.  Most of these positions would be needed from July 1 to October 15, 2006.

Steens Mountain Packers also offers a full range of winter activities.  We may also have several positions available for the winter of 2006-2007.  It may be possible to attain year 'round full time employment through our organization if you possess the appropriate skill levels in guiding winter and summer recreation activities.  SMP is most interested in developing year 'round career oriented staff.

To apply for one of the positions listed below, please fill out our application for employment form including references and submit the packet to our office for review.  The more information you can provide us about yourself and your experiences, the easier it will be for us to get to know who you are.  To view a complete description of our job listings, please follow the links below.